There are two types of steroids, and they are not the same. One is corticosteroids, which are used to reduce or control inflammation. The other type is anabolic steroids, which are hormones that enhance your body’s ability to build muscle and block muscle breakdown.
Users who take anabolic steroids refer to the period that they are on the drug as a cycle. A cycle is when an individual takes steroids for a certain amount of time, discontinues use, and then starts again at some point in the future.
But steroids are not without risk. They are illegal and can cause severe health problems, especially when used in high dosages. Buying steroids over the internet can add the risk of contamination with harmful or unknown chemicals.
While they may help build muscle, the side effects are catastrophic. In men, for example, steroids can harm the reproductive system, reduce sperm count, and shrink the testicles.
Despite producing noticeable muscle gain, steroids are addictive, too. It can become very difficult to stop using them. Your body may get accustomed to them, and withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, mood swings, and even depression may occur.
In women, steroids can affect menstrual cycles and fertility.
In adolescents, steroids can cause bones to mature too quickly and halt growth too early. Some of the other side effects include tumors, abnormal enlargement of the heart, acne, mood changes (such as changing from a calm to an aggressive personality), permanent stretch marks, and hair loss.
Women may also develop effects that most men do not, such as male-pattern facial hair, deepening of the voice, and enlargement of the clitoris.
Steroids can also alter behavior. Users may turn violent, combative, delusional, or paranoid. They are also more prone to use other drugs, like alcohol or cocaine.
Steroids are drugs, and like most drugs, they’re illegal without a prescription. Their use can lead to jail time, fines, being banned from competition or teams, and the forfeiture of trophies or medals. Most sports organizations ban them because they provide users with an unfair advantage.
